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Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was talking about his defense today when he was asked about using speed. Bowles said that was true to an extent, but pointed out that some guys have speed as an asset and some guys had power as an asset and the Cardinals wanted to make sure they are using each players’ strengths.

That makes sense. So to did the talk about his defensive line. You might recall, guys like Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell were excited they weren’t going to be locked down into eating up blocks, and Bowles acknowledged it was good the players were confident even if they still might be asked to do some of the same things as last year — at times. It was suggested to Bowles the players felt they were free to make plays. That was a choice of a word that made Bowles flinch a bit.

“I wouldn’t say they’re free,” Bowles emphasized. “Definitely not free. They have a structure within our system to what they can and cannot do. They have to play the run. but they understand when it is time to rush the passer they will be allowed to rush the passer in different ways. But they are definitely not free.”

Bowles smiled as he said it. But the message was clear.

— Bowles said he wants to see the Cardinals’ run defense Friday night. Because tackling isn’t live in camp practices, there is a lot of unknown there going into this game.

— It was a shortened practice today. More work for Patrick Peterson on offense — at one point he hauled in a 60-yard-or-so bomb from Carson Palmer for a touchdown. It will be interesting to see if he gets an offensive play Friday night.

— The Cardinals travel to Green Bay Thursday afternoon. We will see what running backs are available. Rashard Mendenhall was in practice. Andre Ellington was not, although he was standing on the sideline watching. Time for a football game.

Dockett and Campbell has to understand though that Ray Horton had this defense beasting with NO offense to speak of despite great talent everywhere on it. Calais had 6.5 sacks, so it ain’t like he wasn’t eating and he missed 3 games. Dockett can pout a little but selflessness is usually better than selfishness. Now, he had 1.5 sacks and Dockett can get that in his sleep because he’s a great player, but it ain’t like coach Horton wouldn’t have adjusted the scheme more and more for him and Campbell especially with the success they we’re having.